“The cost of the project has preliminarily been estimated around Rs 55 crore. It has been proposed to develop the project in collaboration with Paradeep Port Trust,” Chief Secretary A P Padhi said.

The project will also provide additional health and other utility services to the drivers and transporters.

While chairing a high level meeting, the Chief Secretary directed the Transport department to prepare the detail project report along with the work plan for approval.

Sources said the proposed project would be developed over an area of 38 acres for which land has already been identified near Bhutmundei.

The objectives of the proposal included curtailing of congestion on roads, smooth passage of the vehicles, smooth passage of load bearing trucks in and out of the port and controlling of pollution level of the road sides and canals, an official release said.

Presently, around 1,200 trucks ply every day to Paradeep port. The terminal will have facility for around 1,500 trucks. Other companies operating in Paradeep can also use of this terminal facility for their trucks and transporters.